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Dean Cochran: The Flying Postman Who Defied Gravity and Delivered Mail Amidst Glacier's Perils

Phil Foster

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In the remote and unforgiving wilds of Alaska, there lived an extraordinary man named Dean Cochran, a postal worker who became known as the "Flying Postman". With unwavering determination and an unwavering spirit, Cochran ventured into treacherous mountain passes and soared over icy peaks to deliver mail to isolated settlements nestled deep within the Alaskan wilderness.

Early Life and Passion for Aviation

Dean Cochran was born in 1930 in Walla Walla, Washington. From a young age, he harbored an insatiable passion for aviation. After graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force and served as a pilot during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he pursued his dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot. However, fate had a different path in store for him.

FLYING POSTMAN

by Dean Cochran

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15729 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	37 pages

Joining the Postal Service and Moving to Alaska

In 1953, Cochran joined the U.S. Postal Service. His initial assignment was in the bustling city of Seattle, Washington. However, his adventurous spirit yearned for something more remote and challenging. In 1961, he accepted a posting to Wiseman, a tiny village located within the Arctic Circle in northern Alaska.

Embracing the Challenge

Wiseman was a remote outpost accessible only by air or treacherous overland trails. The winters were long, harsh, and unforgiving, with temperatures plummeting below -60 degrees Fahrenheit. Undeterred, Cochran embraced the challenge and set out to deliver mail to the scattered homesteaders and trappers living in the vast surrounding wilderness.

Becoming the "Flying Postman"

In the face of extreme weather and difficult terrain, Cochran realized that the only way to efficiently deliver mail was to take to the skies. He purchased a small, used plane, a Cessna 180, and began flying into and out of remote mountain airstrips. Cochran's daring aerial maneuvers and unwavering determination earned him the nickname "The Flying Postman".

Perils and Adventures in the Alaskan Wilderness

Cochran's airmail delivery service was fraught with danger. Icy mountain passes, thick fog, and whiteout conditions made every flight a potential hazard. His plane often became stranded on snow-covered airstrips, requiring him to make perilous ski jumps to safety. On one occasion, Cochran's plane crashed into a mountainside, but he miraculously survived and managed to hike back to civilization.

Dean Cochran Flying His Plane Over The Alaskan Wilderness FLYING POSTMAN Dean Cochran

Exceptional Service and Community Impact

Despite the inherent risks, Cochran's mail delivery service was essential for the survival of the isolated communities he served. He became a lifeline, delivering not only mail but also supplies, medicine, and news from the outside world. His exceptional service and unwavering dedication earned him the love and admiration of the people he served.

Recognition and Retirement

Cochran's extraordinary story gained national attention when he was featured in a 1966 article in Life magazine. His exploits also earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Harmon Trophy for outstanding achievement in aviation. In 1972, after 11 years of dedicated service, Cochran retired from the Postal Service.

Legacy and the Spirit of Adventure

Dean Cochran's legacy extended far beyond his years of mail delivery. He became a symbol of courage, determination, and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to defy the odds. His story inspired countless others to pursue their dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem.

Dean Cochran Standing Beside His Plane, Holding Mailbags FLYING POSTMAN Dean Cochran — Dean Cochran with his trusty Cessna 180 and the mailbags he delivered to remote Alaskan communities.

Dean Cochran, the "Flying Postman", was a true American hero. His unwavering dedication to delivering mail amidst the unforgiving wilderness of Alaska showcased his extraordinary courage and passion for his work. His legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of human determination and the indomitable spirit that resides within us all.

FLYING POSTMAN

by Dean Cochran

4.9 out of 5